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Crap.
I just started a pretty good rant, then moved off of the page while I was still writing — only to discover my original text had disappeared into the ethernet.
Anyway …
I’m facing a bit of a dilemma. Well, not a dilemma, exactly, but I’m at a crossroads. Well, sort of. At least, I can see the crossroads ahead and would like to know what to do once I get there. Or something like that.
I got a promotion yesterday. I’m now “director of international publicity.” It came with a raise. A nice one — to the tune of 34%. Plus a bonus — not a shabby one. When I got home, Jeff’s reaction was the same as mine: Happiness quickly gave way to a realization. This changes things.
Or it could, at least.
We’ve been angling to get back home to L.A. I’m hoping that the job I interviewed for will still come through. It would be a very, very good job — at an exciting place. Up here, my boss doesn’t know I’ve been looking. Otherwise, I never would have gotten what I got. Down there, they know I told them I’m dissatisfied with my title and my salary. Now, I’m not. But I’d still be very, very interested in moving. VERY interested.
On the other hand, we’re about to move into the Letterman Digital Arts Center at the Presidio. When we do, ILM and Lucasfilm’s publicity functions will merge, and potentially I could have more to do by overseeing publicity at ILM. That means the work would get more interesting, as I’d help them publicize their work on shows like The Poseidon Adventure remake and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
On the other hand, it means I’d have to stay up here longer. And I don’t know if we can do that. We could move, but that might just be putting lipstick on the pig.
Then, the question arises: Do I tell the potential new employer about this change in my salary? The salary range we had discussed still is applicable — but just barely. I had been so dissatisfied with my salary here, that I lowballed them. Now, I’m at the very low end of the range I discussed with them, and I already have the director title. It doesn’t change anything, but could potentially make it more interesting.
At any rate, that’s what’s on my mind now. That, and going to Japan and staying in the Park Hyatt. We leave on Sunday!
Steve Expounded Thusly:
My God, that is quite the choice you’d be facing. Potentially. Wow. While it’s superb to be in that position, how do you choose? 34% is damn good! COuld you move out of the suburban hell you dislike and find something closer to the city and your new office? Or do you not like SF very much, either?
Well, thanks for keeping the entire readership of The Wren Forum appraised. I was just wondering this morning how the job thingy was turning out.
Me me me me me Expounded Thusly:
San Francisco and the Bay Area have not entered my heart. No siree.
Rodney Expounded Thusly:
You only tell the potential employer about the new raise after they offer you their job. You tell them that your present company offered you more to stay and unless the new company can pay more….but, perhaps you shouldn’t take my advice. My “company” is giving a “generous” 4% raise this year. We got 1/2% last year…I work for a major state University – where the “haves” outnumber the “have not as much” by 50 to 1.
J Expounded Thusly:
But it’s good advice, Rodney, and what I’ve been figuring should be done.
A Frequent Reader of this Little Wren Forum Expounded Thusly:
Rodney gave you the best advice. I have hired many employees, and that little trick will work every time if they really want you! You are in the driver’s seat, and what a race car you are driving! Lucky you! You must be very good at your job.
Steve Expounded Thusly:
This is so exciting, it could be a series!
Sorry, I ain't takin' no comments on this page. Deal, y'hear?